5 things we learned from Cambridge Utd 3 Newport County 2

Barry Corr and Leon Legge headed in before Mark Roberts netted the winner in stoppage time after Exiles midfielder Mitch Rose was sent off and Joe Day saved George Maris’ penalty. Here’s what we learned…

1. Birdman can be the hero

After an impressive display and a goal on his debut against Hartlepool United on January 28, the striker struggled to replicate that impact in the draws against Cheltenham Town, Doncaster Rovers and Grimsby Town.

But he showed his undoubted talent with two superb finishes from his only two chances of the afternoon to give County hope of an unlikely victory despite being under the cosh for most of the match.

If he can keep up the form he showed yesterday then there is still hope for the Exiles in the battle to beat the drop.

2. Cutting edge is there away from home

The Exiles attack struggled at Cheltenham on a poor pitch and they rarely looked like scoring on the even worse Rodney Parade playing surface against Doncaster and Grimsby.

Graham Westley said he wanted his side to develop more of a cutting edge and on a better pitch they certainly did that with the goals coming from crosses from Dan Butler and David Pipe.

Josh Sheehan was affected by illness but Alex Samuel also caused the Cambridge defence plenty of problems before he too was forced off at half-time.

3. Nelson and Jones were really missed

It was a complete reversal of the recent form with County demonstrating that they can be a threat on the break but looking vulnerable at the back and conceding three in 90 minutes after leaking just three in the previous six matches.

Michael Flynn and Mark O’Brien (above) coped well in central defence under heavy pressure for the first hour but they also relied on Joe Day making a host of excellent saves and the back four just couldn’t hold out.

The settled back three of O’Brien, Sid Nelson and Darren Jones may well have earned County a vital three points at the Cambs Glass Stadium.

4. Cross to bear

All three goals that Cambridge scored in the final half hour came from crosses that could and probably should have been cut out before they came into the box.

Westley has praised his team for their work ethic and concentration in defence in recent weeks but they didn’t do enough to cut out the danger at the source on Saturday and a quality player like Piero Mingoia will take full advantage if he’s given so much time and space to pick his spot.

5. Rose faces extended ban

Whether it should have been a penalty or not – and it’s still hard to tell from the TV footage – the reaction from Mitch Rose (above) to referee Trevor Kettle’s decision will more than likely land him in hot water.

The midfielder’s sense of injustice was perhaps understandable but knocking the red card out of the referee’s hand is bound to mean he misses more than one match and County can ill afford to miss such a key man in their current situation.